StartUp FASHIONhttps://startupfashion.com
On a mission to help independent designers make a living doing what they love.Mon, 25 Sep 2017 11:00:10 +0000en-UShourly1https://startupfashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/cropped-startupfashion-favicon-32x32.pngStartUp FASHIONhttps://startupfashion.com
323240.744851-74.032941StartUpFashionhttps://feedburner.google.comHow to Turn Your Fashion Brand into a Killer Marketing Toolhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/OnlQuUp2yVQ/
https://startupfashion.com/how-to-turn-fashion-marketing-too/#respondMon, 25 Sep 2017 11:00:10 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=24216We dish about the secret brand development work big fashion companies employ to create killer marketing that attract and keep their customers.

What is that magic something that other successful brands have that you don’t have? If the thought of grabbing attention, making connections, and creating flawless marketing is giving you nightmares it’s time to reign it in and lock it down. Your verbal and visual brand needs love, but how?

Don’t worry. I got you. After five years of running a formidable brand experience development studio, I’ve crafted hundreds of brands that go on to create insane marketing campaigns. I’m going to dish about the secret brand development work big fashion companies employ to create killer marketing that attract and keep their customers. Grab a pen, get a paper, it’s about to get real.

Brand Building Secret #1 – Tapping into Your Audience

Your brand is the foundation of your marketing. And, your brand isn’t just your logo. The core building block of an amazing brand, and ultimately perfect marketing, is your audience. So what should you do first?

Get to know them.

Truly understand them.

Gut check yourself.

Do you know what they care about most?

If the answer is “NO,” congrats! You’ve just identified one of your biggest brand and marketing problems. Lucky for everyone, it’s a common, it’s fixable, and you don’t need to panic.

Your audience is a wealthy resource of pure knowledge, raw emotion, and real grit. They’re the ones you’re really serving, so talk to them. And better yet? They’re always ready to tell you what they think, (good, bad, and ugly). Gathering information from them is a breeze. Most businesses are terrified of this step, so they skip it. Don’t be like them. You’re not like most businesses.

Don’t let fear wreck your chances of becoming a huge brand. Work up your courage, collect your audience in one place, and ask. Test your product line, survey them about your brand visuals, ask them who they love to follow on social media. Get interested in what they have to
say.

Before you design a single marketing campaign, post on Instagram, or create visuals for your company, know your audience. If you don’t know them, you’ll keep falling flat.

Brand Building Secret #2 – Tapping into Your Purpose

Grabbing hold of your audience’s feelings and wants is an important step in creating a killer brand, and ultimately, killer marketing. Next up: it’s time to take a critical look at what your company does that’s valuable on the market.

What’s your brand’s purpose?

If you lack purpose, you lack structure. If you lack structure, your marketing is going to be a terrible uphill battle. Your brand visuals won’t look right. Your logo will be a mess. Your brand messaging will feel forced. Every marketing campaign will reflect that confusion.

Customers will scroll by you on social media, thinking “Boring. Next.” You’ll keep swinging, but never landing those hits.

You need a reason for existing. What’s your reason?

And, is your reason interesting to your customers?

To find your true purpose examine why you started your business, line, or brand. What drives you to create every day? What are you passionate about? What makes you truly different than everyone else? Grab hold of that purpose.

Vet your purpose against competitors, customers, and your own wants / desires. Are you doing something of value? The answer has to be YES!

If it isn’t, take it back to the drawing board. You need to be valuable before you go viral.

Brand Building Secret #3 – Aligning Your Brand

Once you nail down your audience and your purpose, you have all the information you need for the next phase. Time to make a killer brand that puts out world class marketing.

The purpose and intent of your business should drive everything you do: your social media, your overall visuals, your messaging, and yes… even your logo.

But before you start working, take stock of what stays and what goes. Examine your brand and marketing with a critical eye. Is your purpose showing itself in everything you do? When you write a post on social media, are you driving home why you’re important? Does your logo
showcase how you’re different or interesting?

Be honest, and stay focused.

You’re only as good as your last marketing effort, so get ruthless about it. Make a list of every place your brand shows up that needs real work. Vet your copy, examine your photography, and scour your social media posts. Ugly business cards? Boring website? Nothing is safe, not even your logo.

You can’t confidently market if you have weak links in your chain. Identify what needs to be fixed.

By the end, you’ll have a master list to work from that will help you blow the top of your marketing efforts.

Brand Building Secret #4 – Turning Your Brand into a Marketing Weapon

Sharpening your brand into a marketing weapon takes courage to recognize what isn’t working. It takes nerves of steel to fix those issues as well.

But, with a master list in hand, nothing can stop you from sharpening your brand into a killer marketing machine.

It’s time to improve every piece that’s flat, boring, or lacks impact. Make a timeline, make a budget, ask for help, get insight, whatever it takes. Just be honest with your journey and your goals. Whether you do it today or a year from now, the work needs to be done before you blow up into a super star.

Improve your weak links and you’ll see a huge boost in the focus, intent, and look of your marketing.

Once you’ve put in the effort improving your weak links, it’ll be infinitely easier to market your business. By laying the foundation of a great brand, you’ll build the necessary confidence it takes to walk, talk, and look appealing to customers.

No more staring at your phone, wondering what caption to write on your Instagram post. No more struggling to hire the right photographers, or plan out your next lookbook.

You’ll know exactly what’s on brand, what it should look like, and how to show people you’re amazing. You’ll be faster to market, quicker to grow, and easier to scale. You’ll know your purpose, you’ll know your people, and you’ll look and feel flawless. All that will be left is talking to them.

Elizabeth Hague is the co-founder of Wildcat Echo, a brand experience studio that sharpens flat, boring brands into killer marketing tools. She and her team work to create verbal, visual, and digital brand experiences that craft memorable interactions and influence customers. To find out more check out https://www.wildcatecho.com/ or email the crew at: team@wildcatecho.com

]]>https://startupfashion.com/how-to-turn-fashion-marketing-too/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/how-to-turn-fashion-marketing-too/Fashion Business Owners Musings: Check Out So You Can Check Inhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/qoHAiNnSu3M/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owners-musings-check-check/#respondFri, 22 Sep 2017 11:00:23 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=24525Reflecting on how important it is to check out of your fashion business from time to time and how that doesn't mean what you may think it means.

It’s 9am on a Tuesday as I’m writing this and we just wrapped up a week long open enrollment for the StartUp FASHION Community. I’m exhausted. Because even though I always prepare for launch week, pre-write all the content, schedule the social media posts, all that stuff, it still drains me. There are always things that pop up from tech issues to unanticipated questions– that need to be addressed in the moment. I actually feel the strain on my body and mind, and so I’ve decided to check out.

We’ll sort of. As you know, when you run a business and you’re a solo or small team operation, checking out completely for a long period of time is close to impossible. But I don’t feel as though checking out has to be an all or nothing situation.

So what do I mean by checking out?

Well, let’s start with social media. In particular Instagram. I love it and hate it. And all year long I look at it at least once a day, usually much more. Engaging with our followers, trying to expand our reach, browsing the feeds of those we follow (mostly our Community members) to see what they’re up to… it never ends. And while I think it’s a great platform, I am realizing that I need a bit of a break. Not completely, I’m still posting but I’m giving myself a time limit for how long I spend on there each day, for the next month or so. I’m checking out a bit.

Next, email responses. I’m never at inbox zero and honestly I don’t think I ever will be. And I’m making myself be OK with that. I’m also calling myself out when I am too quick to run to respond. I can take my time, it’s cool. I don’t need to respond within an hour. I’m checking out a bit.

Last, I’m giving myself some more alone time to think and relax. As a business owner, how much time are you giving yourself to think? To listen to your body and mind? After this week, I realize that I really need it. I’ve got a cold that I can’t kick and knots in my back from stress. Not good. I’m checking out a bit.

So this is what I mean about checking out. It’s not meant to be that you should close your computer for a month, respond to no one, remove all apps from your phone, and completely disappear (unless you want to, and then, more power to you).

Checking out as a business owner can mean anything you want it to mean. The key being that it should be about what you need.

Ask yourself:

what are the things in my business that are draining me?

where could I use a little break in my work or in my life?

what could I do to help me relax and de-stress from the demands of my work?

It’s not an all or nothing scenario. It’s about checking out so you can check in with yourself. It’s about figuring out what you need at this moment so that you can be a better business person. And it’s about doing it without the guilt.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owners-musings-check-check/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owners-musings-check-check/Fashion Archives: A Look at the History of the Graphic Teehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/pu1rlXXoT70/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-the-graphic-tee/#respondSat, 16 Sep 2017 11:00:47 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=22214A look into the fashion archives at the history of the graphic t-shirt Where it started, how it grew, and how it exists in fashion today.

Lately, it seems that graphic tees are more popular than ever. While we still see band shirts and logos, there are so many more options. The types of t-shirt graphics we see trending on the runway are much more varied: feminist messages, silly slogans, images created by contemporary artists, etc.

While the graphic tee used to have very casual, almost childish connotations, the graphic tee of today is much more upscale- it can be worn for a night out with a skirt and heels, or to work paired with a blazer. The graphic tee is in the middle of a fashion renaissance, and there is a style for just about everyone.

The First T-Shirt

The graphic t-shirt has not been around for very long, but it has made a significant and lasting impression on the fashion world. When the t-shirt first came about, it was considered to be an undergarment, and as a result, there was not much need to print any kind of interesting design onto it. (This was of course before the days of brands such as Victoria’s Secret PINK and their bold print designs for underwear.) This changed of course, once shirt manufacturers began to catch on to the power of printed graphics.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when people started to print on t-shirts, the graphic tee’s first foray into the mainstream media is easy to spot. In the famed 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the workers who fix up the scarecrow are all sporting bright green tees with the word “OZ,” splashed across the front in bold white letters. In essence, the Emerald City was the first to catch on to the functionality and marketing potential of graphic t-shirts.

Military Use

The next iteration of the graphic tee was, like many fashion trends, born from the military. During WWII, members of the military were issued t-shirts sporting the names of their branches or training programs. Veterans continued to wear their shirts even after transitioning into civilian life, and the t-shirt, graphic or otherwise, became something of a sex symbol and a fashion statement. Life magazine even published a spread and cover shot featuring a model sporting an army tee.

The Graphic T-Shirt as a Classic Trend

The popularity of the graphic tee skyrocketed at the start of the 1950’s. Marlon Brando popularized the t-shirt after wearing one in the film A Streetcar Named Desire. The ink most widely used for screen printing called Plastisol was invented giving designers more freedom in creating graphics. People began to realize the marketing potential the invention of printing on tees brought about. The company Tropix Togs acquired the rights to print Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse onto shirts- the first instance of licensing for shirts. The tees were a huge success, and this ushered in the graphic t-shirt as a classic trend.

Counterculture

Of course, Disney characters proved to be a little too mainstream for some, so different variations on shirt designs quickly followed. Counterculture had a large influence on the kinds of designs being printed on shirts in the 60’s. Liberal attitudes towards sex, politics, drugs, etc. defined the trends for graphic tees.

Additionally, music was a huge part of the culture of the 1960’s and 70’s. Many bands quickly realized that branded merchandise could both promote their music and offer a second source of income, and as a result, the band t-shirt was born. Many bands from the 60’s and 70’s are recognized as much for their unique logos as they are for their music. Images such as the Rolling Stones’ lips, the Beatles vintage lettering, and Pink Floyd’s prism are iconic graphics, even today. Fans were only too eager to sport shirts featuring their favorite band- and still are.

The Material Age: 1980’s and 1990’s

Companies saw the success of branded t-shirts and realized they could do the same with their own company logos. The logo tee was used in the same vein as the band tee- a salable product to promote the brand, and a way to make the logo instantly recognizable. It’s easy to tell which brands took advantage of this trend- everyone knows the logos for Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein, and other similar brands.

While the trend of branded tees fell out of fashion for a time, it has been making a comeback over the past few seasons as upscale brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Celine put out their own versions.

Making A Comeback

Graphic tees fell largely out of fashion during the early 2000’s. Mass production led to over-saturation- there were plenty of shirts, but most were not very interesting or well designed. However, the past few seasons, designers have turned their attention to this wardrobe staple and have began putting their own spins on it. The graphic tee has officially made a comeback.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-the-graphic-tee/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-the-graphic-tee/Fashion Designers, Are You Using Community Mentorship to Grow Your Business?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/GYBqRuA8CG4/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-designer-find-people/#commentsMon, 11 Sep 2017 14:00:56 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=21194A look at how finding your people can help every single fashion designer out there build and grow thriving businesses.

About two years ago I was happily running my business, working hard every single day and watching it slowly grow. I’m not gonna lie, I loved it. It felt so incredible to build something from nothing; something that was actually helping other people reach their own goals and dreams.

It was a lot of hard work, constantly trying to figure out the things I needed to know, Googling til my fingers bled. It was draining, but in that way that means you’re accomplishing something awesome. I was proud of the work I was doing, even if growth took time, I didn’t care.

To be honest with you, I could have continued on this path forever. Happy in my oblivious little world of building a lifestyle business.

But then something happened. On a whim, I joined an online group of service-based entrepreneurs. I thought to myself, “Oh, why not try it. I probably don’t need it, but who knows.”

At first I didn’t do much with my membership. I went about my business, literally, as I had before. Then one day about two months after joining, I was banging my skull against the proverbial wall in my cozy, but lonely, home office trying desperately to figure out something in my business that was completely holding me back from moving forward. I was so uncertain of what to do that I sat there paralyzed and kind of dizzy (which was probably from all the head banging).

And then my brain whispered in my ear, “Try asking that group you joined.”

I imagine you know what I’m going to say next, “Boom, my problem was solved!”

Well, no. Not exactly. I had neglected this group, never introducing myself or offering help to others, so while my question did eventually get answered and my problem solved, it took time.

But that little exercise taught me something. Having a connection to people who get what I’m gong through, in my case running an online service-based business rather than a product-based business or brick and mortar store, is really damn important.

Why am I telling you this story?

Because finding your people is the single most important thing you can do as a business owner if you really want to grow and thrive.

Since the time of this story, my time of enlightenment shall we say, I have made my involvement in this group a priority. I’ve offered help when I could, given my opinion even when I wasn’t an expert on the topic, provided feedback to fellow entrepreneurs who just need to hear what someone else thinks of a situation, and shared my experiences and stories for others to learn from.

And most of all, I’ve watched my business skyrocket.

Since finding my people and feeling like I’m part of a group who gets me and my struggles and triumphs, I’ve become part of a club. I’ve felt comfortable with sharing and asking for help. I’ve managed to learn so much from the other members. It’s truly community mentorship!

And that slow-growing sweet little business I had two years ago has started to accelerate in ways I hadn’t anticipated. And to be honest, sometimes I didn’t even realize it was happening. I look back now and remember how much I didn’t know that I didn’t know! I feel more confident, more focused, and more driven than I have ever in past.

So here’s the thing.

If you’re reading this thinking about how much you want that too; how much you want to have your own group and feel more confident as a business owner, and how much you would absolutely love to find your people, then I hope you’ll join us in the StartUp FASHION Community.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-designer-find-people/feed/2https://startupfashion.com/fashion-designer-find-people/Fashion Business Owner Musings: When an Encouraging Word Falls Flathttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/ObhHyiIC8P8/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-encouraging-word-falls-flat/#respondFri, 08 Sep 2017 11:00:07 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=23833Reflecting on how words of encouragement are not enough. We need to put those words into action if was want to really succeed in our fashion business.

I’m a fan of sharing encouraging words on theStartUp FASHION Instagram feed. I think that in an industry that often does a good job of making people feel excluded or not worthy, an encouraging word can be the difference between keeping going and giving up.

But what happens when encouraging words and fancy Instagram quotes fall flat?

Encouraging words are great, but unless they instill action, they aren’t actually helping.

Here’s what I’m getting at. I want to be that encouraging voice in your head telling you that you can do this. Because I believe that you can. I want you to have someone in your side, reminding you that…

…you get to make your own rules in this crazy industry

…you don’t have to have a business degree or a design degree to be successful

…you are in charge of creating the life and the business you want, no one else

…you may feel like it’s impossible, but it’s not, keep going

I also want to provide you with the tools you need in order for those encouraging words to be true. That’s why I created the StartUp FASHION Community. If I stopped at encouraging words, I wouldn’t be all that helpful.

So once that’s done, once I’ve encouraged you, and given you the tools, success is in your hands. You have to listen to those encouraging words and use those tools to take action.

You have to make a plan, get organized, push past the hesitations, and do it. Do whatever it is that you say you’re going to do. Move forward, take steps, make decisions.

Someone recently told me “I don’t need to read encouraging quotes, I need to make my business work.” Fair enough. But what’s holding you back from making your business work? Could it be tied into a fear of failure? A lack of putting yourself out there, even when it’s scary? A confusion about what to do next? A need for help?

Whatever it is, encouraging words is where it starts, actionable tools are what moves it forward, and you, dear designers, is what makes it happen!

So the next time you read an encouraging word on Instagram, don’t let it fall flat. Use it as fuel to move forward and take action in your business.

Ask yourself, why do these words resonate with me? What is it that I need to hear right now? Where am I holding myself back? What action can I take at this very minute to capitalize on the momentum of this encouragement?

If you can take an encouraging word and, rather than clinging to it as a life raft, use it to actually get up and do something about getting what you want, then you are one step closer than so many others who believe that effort stops with the pep talk.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-encouraging-word-falls-flat/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-encouraging-word-falls-flat/Fashion Archives: A Look at the History of Espadrilleshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/_CvwOpZXdwU/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-espadrilles/#respondSat, 02 Sep 2017 11:00:48 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=22355We take a look into the fashion archives at the history of the espadrille. Where it started, how it spread, and where we see it today in fashion.

Espadrilles are the quintessential summer shoe- now more than ever. This season, so many designers have created their own takes on this classic. The simple espadrille has gotten a variety of unlikely updates, such as Miu Miu’s glittery slides that scream both “disco” and “beach party.” Espadrilles are easy, yet can be dressed up or down- it’s no wonder they’ve had a renaissance this season.

The Original Espadrille

Despite the modern and trendy appearance of espadrilles, this shoe style has been around since the 13th century. Its origins can be traced to the Occitania and Catalonia areas of the Pyrenees on the Spanish and French border. The name is derived from the word esparto; “espadrille” is a reference to the plant that makes up the iconic sole of the shoe. This particular style of footwear was created to be simple and functional.

The original 13th-century production process was highly complex, requiring many craftsmen to create the treads, another artisan known as an alpargatero to create the rope soles, and finally a seamstress to sew the fabric upper and band. The hard work paid off, the resulting shoe was lightweight and flexible- perfect for the warm climate of the Pyrenees and active lifestyles of its people.

Basque Roots

Espadrilles have strong roots in Basque culture. They were worn by everyone, from the King of Aragon’s infantry, to mine workers and priests. In addition to being worn by soldiers and laborers, espadrilles were also the go-to shoes for the Catalan national dance, Sardana. Dancers wore a specific type of espadrilles called “Espardenya,” that featured ribbons that tied around the ankles.

For the first few centuries of their existence, espadrilles did not stray far from their place of origin. However, by the 19th century, that slowly but steadily began to change. They started to be sold in much larger quantities in the French city of Mauléon. In fact, the demand was so high that women from the nearby Aragonese valleys came to work in the factories that manufactured espadrilles.

It was there in Mauléon where the shoes began to catch on with the rest of Europe, and subsequently, with the rest of the world. Many Europeans recognized the benefits of a sturdy and functional, yet lightweight summer shoe, and it quickly spread across the continent. By the 1880’s, manufacturers began exporting them to the warm climates of South America as well.

A Fashion Trend

After a few more decades, espadrilles began to catch on as a fashion trend rather than a purely functional item. For instance, Salvador Dali favored a pair of black espadrilles that laced at the ankles, and many photos of the artist depict him sporting his beloved shoes. However, while artists and other famous figures were known for wearing this particular type of footwear, it was the stars of 1940’s Hollywood that really brought espadrilles into mainstream fashion.

Espadrilles became the “it” shoes for leading ladies of the silver screen. A few iconic examples include Rita Hayworth who sported a white pair in her 1947 film The Lady From Shanghai, and Lauren Bacall who wore them for the 1948 feature Key Largo. As with many trends from this era, once the public saw espadrilles being worn by famous actors in the movies, everyone wanted a pair.

A Fresh Take

The espadrille trend continued through the 1950’s and into the 60’s, but after a time, the same old style became a bit tired. Recognizing an opportunity to reinvent the classic summer shoe, Yves Saint Laurent decided to create a fresh take on the espadrille. Saint Laurent met with Spanish manufacturer Castañer at a trade show in Paris and subsequently commissioned an espadrille with a unique new design feature- a wedged heel.

Once Saint Laurent created the first high-heeled espadrille, the style became an instant success. The shoe was a highlight of 1970’s footwear- the sturdy heel and bohemian vibe fit right in with the trends of the era. The popularity of espadrilles continued into the 80’s, particularly while Don Johnson’s character sported them on Miami Vice.

Despite being a rather niche style of footwear, espadrilles have continued to remain in fashion. Celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez rocked the wedged high-heel version all throughout the nineties, and they have remained popular into the early 2000’s as well. For example, popular brand TOMS shoes is known for it’s feature style- a canvas shoe that is a variation of the classic espadrille.

Today, just about anything goes when it comes to espadrilles. Whether they are glammed up or understated, there is a style for just about everyone.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-espadrilles/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-espadrilles/Fashion Business Owner Musings: Dealing with the Fear of Rejectionhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/Sgvw7y9B5Ng/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-dealing-fear-rejection/#respondFri, 01 Sep 2017 11:00:15 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=23485Reflecting on how the fear of rejection infiltrates every area of our fashion business and keeps us from accomplishing the things we really want.

I think every time we make an excuse about why we can’t do something, it stems from fear of rejection.

Fear of rejection paralyses us. We can’t seem to move past the the idea that someone will say no to us, or laugh at us, so (whether consciously or subconsciously) we avoid situations that could put us in that situation.

The thing is, our fear of rejection is probably doing a lot more to harm us than we realize.

When we fear rejection, we don’t put ourselves out there.

When we fear rejection, we don’t try new things.

When we fear rejection, we don’t take risks.

These may seem like vague ideas but they’re not. Apply them to the specifics and see what I mean.

We don’t put ourselves out there = we don’t talk about about the work we’re doing or build brand recognition.

We don’t put ourselves out there = we don’t let ourselves become vulnerable or create relationships with our audience.

We don’t try new things = we do the same old posting on Instagram, wondering why it’s not an effective sales channel for us.

We don’t try new things = we don’t pitch a trunk show or invest in a pop up shop or find new and interesting ways to make sales.

We don’t take risks = we don’t pick up the phone and actually call a buyer.

We don’t take risks = we stick to the same boring language and corporate copy we’re used to rather than speaking from the heart.

Do you see what I mean? These are just a few of the examples that came to mind as I am writing this post. But our fear of rejection reaches far more areas of our business than just this.

Rejection is going to happen. This is business, not everyone is going to get what you’re doing. And not everyone is going to care. It’s important that we all understand that and work to move past it.

The designers I see reaching their goals and growing their businesses, are the ones that don’t let a fear of rejection stop them from doing whatever they need to do to make things happen.

When you’re hesitating to do something, or find yourself nervous about what could happen if you try something, remind yourself that this fear, this anxiety in your belly, is all part of the process. Ask yourself how important the success of your business is to you. And when you answer “very!”, then you know it’s time to ignore the fear, accept the possibility of rejection, and then do it anyway.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-dealing-fear-rejection/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-dealing-fear-rejection/Fashion Business Owner Musings: Listening to What You Really Needhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/9WZPwAA9P7k/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-listening-to-what-you-really-need/#respondFri, 25 Aug 2017 11:00:04 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=23088Reflecting how when we ignore what our minds and bodies are telling us about what we really need, our fashion business ultimately suffers.

This morning was beautiful. The sun was shining, there was a breeze in the air, and I took a walk to a new coffee shop in my neighborhood.

But it didn’t start that way. I woke up feeling a little disappointed about something, and for an hour or so felt a little anxious and distracted. I sat down at my desk around 9am, getting ready to start my work day and then stopped. I wasn’t into it. It wasn’t what I needed.

My body, my head, and my gut were all telling me to back away from the desk, and go do something that I really need right now. And I was smart enough to listen.

I didn’t used to be smart enough to listen, though. I used to push myself. I used to ignore what I was feeling and instead do work. Work that would turn out not great. Work that was forced and blah and unimpressive.

When we don’t listen to what we really need, we’re not doing ourselves or our businesses any favors.

Here’s the thing– I hear people (financially successful entrepreneurs) talking about the damn “hustle” all the time. The message being, “go go go!”. I hear them talking about how doing it even when you don’t feel like it, is what makes you a great business person. I hear them saying that those of us who aren’t doing this, will never be successful.

I have some major issues with this sentiment. And I’ll tell you why.

First, success and priorities are different for everyone. Even if you equate success with a dollar figure, there is still a great amount of variation in what that means for each of us. And I think that working to the point of ignoring your physical and mental health is just dumb.

Second, there is something to be said for slow growth. I’m such a believer in this. I think taking our time to build a business that truly complements the lives we each want is essential. And to do that, it’s important to know what what we want. How can you know what you want if you’re not listening?

Next, taking care of yourself and listening to what your mind and body tell you are not luxuries. Working to the point of utter exhaustion in the name of “hustle” isn’t going to help you create a healthy lifestyle or business.

Now, listen, I’m sure there are people reading this saying, “What the hell are you talking about? Building a business requires long days, working when you’re tired, and, well, hustling.”

Yes, of course. I’ve been there. I spent a few years working this way to get my business off the ground. But, there was a lot of work that I put out there that wasn’t good. In fact, it was crap. And I know a big part of that was that I wasn’t taking care of myself. I wasn’t listening to what I really needed which was time to think, relax, and clear my mind.

I’m not telling you not to work hard. I’m not telling you not to give your business your all. I’m not telling you to lazily cross your fingers in hopes of success.

What I’m telling you is to listen to yourself. Pay attention to what you really need in order to be your best business self. When you start doing that, you’re one major step closer to your own version of success.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-listening-to-what-you-really-need/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-listening-to-what-you-really-need/Fashion Archives: A Look at the History of the Belthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/sOSiXD_CD00/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-the-belt/#respondSat, 19 Aug 2017 11:00:22 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=22683A take a look into the fashion archives at the history of the belt- when it first appeared, who wore it, and how we see it today.

Bold belts have become quite the trend this season. It seems everyone from Alexander McQueen to Burberry has been sending models down the runway sporting a cinched waist. Of course, while different belt styles can be passing fads, the belt itself is a necessary staple just about every person has in their closet. Whether it’s a statement accessory to nip in the waist or a purely functional piece to hold up your pants, there is a belt for everyone.

An Early Necessity

These very specific utilitarian needs have been around for ages- which means the belt itself has also been around for quite awhile. In fact, the very first versions of belts had no aesthetic purpose whatsoever. These can be traced back to the prehistoric period of the Bronze Age. At this time, pockets weren’t exactly a widespread phenomena. However, people still needed to be able to carry their belongings around with them, and sometimes a bag was not necessarily the most practical option.

The very first belts were created to carry tools. That’s right- a tool belt was the predecessor to Alexander McQueen’s couture corset version. These tool belts were made of an unexpected material. Rather than leather, these belts were crafted from softened tree bark. While this may seem strange, this material behaved much like leather; hardy and pliable.

Other belts soon followed, typically made of large cuts of fabric. These were used either as part of a garment or to shield the wearer from bad weather.

Other Pre-Roman civilizations also had their own versions of belts. Monks, for example, often wore a sackcloth that was attached to their waist with a cord or rope. A similar belt worn by Catholic priests is characterized by three Franciscan knots. These knots hold deep symbolism, they represent vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

Soldiers also sported belts for utility. They were used to hold weapons such as swords or daggers, and also denoted rank.

Belts in the Roman Empire

During the Roman Empire, gladiators had their own specially crafted style of belt- two, in fact. Much like soldiers in previous eras, they needed to carry their weapons, but still keep their hands free to wield them as they pleased. The first belt, called a cingulum, was fastened around the waist and held a dagger. This belt had several leather strips embellished with studs hanging down over the front for decoration.

A second belt called a balteus wrapped over the shoulder and contained a short sword. Belts weren’t only limited to soldiers and gladiators during this period. In addition, emperors also wore them (albeit, more glamorous versions.) An emperor typically wore a toga, which was fastened shut with a gold bolt of fabric tied around the waist.

A Symbol of Social Status

In the Medieval period, people of all walks of life began to wear belts, but the style depended very much on who they were. Belts of the upper and lower classes differed significantly.

The wealthy, specifically women, would wear elaborately decorated metal or leather belts. The look resembled a kind of chain that fell loosely at the waist, with an excess piece hanging down. Knights also wore a similar style when in clothing rather than suited up in armor. Those from the lower classes sported simple leather belts crafted with pouches to hold their effects such as coins.

A Staple Accessory for Women

During the Renaissance, the belt came into it’s own as a women’s fashion accessory. Bodices and corsets were becoming less common. Instead, many were replaced with tunics cut from lighter, softer, and easier materials that were cinched in with a belt. This new way of creating the illusion of a tiny waist was much more comfortable for women (and likely better for their health.)

Once belts had become a more mainstream accessory for women, belt designs became “softer” and more feminine. Such belts were often made from elegant fabrics and decorated with embellishments. This way of wearing belts continued for the next few centuries. For instance, in the 1850’s, many women wore dresses with sashes cut from matching fabrics tied around their waists.

Belts went out of style in women’s fashion for a brief period in the 1920’s- the flapper style favored a dropped waist, no belt required. The belt made a return by the 1930’s however, and as fashion trends began to change more rapidly, so did belt styles.

In the 1950’s for example, thin, simple belts were all the rage as Christian Dior’s new look called for a nipped-in waist. Chain belts draped loosely around the waist were a hallmark of 1970’s fashion. Low-rise hip-hugger jeans of the late 90’s and early 2000’s were frequently paired with statement belts. While belt styles may change with the trends, this is a staple accessory that will always be around.

]]>https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-the-belt/feed/0https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-a-look-at-the-history-of-the-belt/Fashion Business Owner Musings: We Can Only Do What We Can Dohttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StartUpFashion/~3/BNS1lgf1tp4/
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-business-owner-musings-we-can-only-do-what-we-can-do/#respondFri, 18 Aug 2017 11:00:57 +0000https://startupfashion.com/?p=22882Reflecting on how we often forget that we can only do we we can do, and how that pushing ourselves too far can actually hurt our fashion business.

Sounds obvious. But this is something I think so many of us forget regularly. We tend to push ourselves so hard to do, do, do that we overlook how much we’ve actually already done.

There is truly something to be said for slow growth. This doesn’t mean taking your good old time to lackadaisically approach all your goals, perhaps accomplishing some of them but mostly just talking about them.

What it means is thoughtfully approaching your business in a way that is proactive but still do-able, productive but not draining. It’s the idea of doing what you can with what you have, and not feeling guilty that things aren’t moving fast enough.

I know we’re all impatient for things to happen. We often feel a little spastic, trying to get it all done. And I completely understand that sometimes that feeling is unavoidable– deadlines and diminishing bank accounts sometimes call the shots.

But what we have to remember is that we in business, just like in life, there is simply only so much we can do.

And when we ignore that fact and push ourselves beyond that point, we actually slow down progress, which is the opposite of what we were trying to do.

What happens is we burn out, exhaust our creativity, question our abilities, second guess everything we do, and wonder if we’re really cut out for this business.

That’s not good. Do you see how trying to do more than we can do, can lead to the end of a business? Do you see how it’s so important to listen to what our minds and bodies are telling us? Why it’s actually more beneficial to our businesses to accept the some of the limitations that exist?

I know what you’re thinking– and no, I’m not suggesting that you not try your hardest. I’m not suggesting that you give up when things feel challenging. And I’m certainly not suggesting that we can achieve our goals with half-assed attempts.

What I’m saying is this– trust yourself. Know that when you’ve tried your hardest, you’ve done all that you can do. When you honestly feel like you’ve exhausted your options, put forth your best ideas, talked to everyone you could think of, approached it from various angles, then you’ve done what you can do. And that’s all anyone can do.